Clay-based hemostatic agents and devices for the delivery thereof

ABSTRACT

A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh. Another device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Another device is a bandage comprising a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. A hemostatic sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/808,618, filed May 26, 2006, entitled “Blood Clotting Compound”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/810,447, filed Jun. 1, 2006, entitled “Hemostatic Device with Oxidized Cellulose Pad”; U.S. Patent Application Attorney Docket No. 6989-0067, filed Oct. 6, 2006, entitled “Hemostatic Compositions and Method of Manufacture”; and U.S. Patent Application Attorney Docket No. 6989-0069, filed Oct. 20, 2006, entitled “Devices and Methods for the Delivery of Hemostatic Agents to Bleeding Wounds”; the contents of all of the above-referenced applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to agents and devices for promoting hemostasis and, more particularly, to clay-based hemostatic agents and devices incorporating such agents for the delivery thereof to bleeding wounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blood is a liquid tissue that includes red cells, white cells, corpuscles, and platelets dispersed in a liquid phase. The liquid phase is plasma, which includes acids, lipids, solublized electrolytes, and proteins. The proteins are suspended in the liquid phase and can be separated out of the liquid phase by any of a variety of methods such as filtration, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and immunochemical techniques. One particular protein suspended in the liquid phase is fibrinogen. When bleeding occurs, the fibrinogen reacts with water and thrombin (an enzyme) to form fibrin, which is insoluble in blood and polymerizes to form clots.

In a wide variety of circumstances, animals, including humans, can be wounded. Often bleeding is associated with such wounds. In some circumstances, the wound and the bleeding are minor, and normal blood clotting functions in addition to the application of simple first aid are all that is required. Unfortunately, however, in other circumstances substantial bleeding can occur. These situations usually require specialized equipment and materials as well as personnel trained to administer appropriate aid. If such aid is not readily available, excessive blood loss can occur. When bleeding is severe, sometimes the immediate availability of equipment and trained personnel is still insufficient to stanch the flow of blood in a timely manner.

Moreover, severe wounds can often be inflicted in remote areas or in situations, such as on a battlefield, where adequate medical assistance is not immediately available. In these instances, it is important to stop bleeding, even in less severe wounds, long enough to allow the injured person or animal to receive medical attention.

In an effort to address the above-described problems, materials have been developed for controlling excessive bleeding in situations where conventional aid is unavailable or less than optimally effective. Although these materials have been shown to be somewhat successful, they are sometimes not effective enough for traumatic wounds and tend to be expensive. Furthermore, these materials are sometimes ineffective in some situations and can be difficult to apply as well as remove from a wound.

Additionally, or alternatively, the previously developed materials can produce undersirable side effects. For example, one type of prior art blood clotting material is generally a powder or a fine particulate in which the surface area of the material often produces an exothermic reaction upon the application of the material to blood. Oftentimes excess material is unnecessarily poured onto a wound, which can exacerbate the exothermic effects. Depending upon the specific attributes of the material, the resulting exothermia may be sufficient to cause discomfort to or even burn the patient. Although some prior art patents specifically recite the resulting exothermia as being a desirable feature that can provide clotting effects to the wound that are similar to cauterization, there exists the possibility that the tissue at and around the wound site may be undesirably impacted.

Furthermore, to remove such materials from wounds, irrigation of the wound is often required. If an amount of material is administered that causes discomfort or burning, the wound may require immediate flushing. In instances where a wounded person or animal has not yet been transported to a facility capable of providing the needed irrigation, undersirable effects or over-treatment of the wound may result.

Bleeding can also be a problem during surgical procedures. Apart from suturing or stapling an incision or internally bleeding area, bleeding is often controlled using a sponge or other material used to exert pressure against the bleed site and/or absorb the blood. However, when the bleeding becomes excessive, these measures may not be sufficient to stop the blood flow. Moreover, any highly exothermic bleed-control material may damage the tissue surrounding the bleed site and may not be configured for easy removal after use.

Based on the foregoing, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a hemostatic agent that overcomes or improves upon the drawbacks associated with the prior art. It is also a general object of the present invention to provide devices capable of applying such hemostatic agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention resides in a device for promoting the clotting of blood, thereby controlling bleeding. The device comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh having openings therein such that when the device is applied to a bleed site, the particles of clay come into contact with blood through the openings.

According to another aspect, the present invention resides in another device capable of providing a hemostatic effect on a bleeding wound to control blood flow from the wound. The device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Upon the application of the device to the bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with the blood to cause the hemostatic effect.

According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood, thereby controlling bleeding. The bandage comprises a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. The mesh is defined by a plurality of members arranged to define openings that allow for the flow of blood into the mesh and into the clay material, thereby producing a clotting effect.

According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a hemostatic sponge that can be applied to a bleeding wound to clot blood and control bleeding. Such a sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate to inhibit the adherence of the sponge to the wound tissue after clot formation. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention resides in other forms of hemostatic sponges. In such forms the hemostatic sponge may comprise a film and a hemostatic material incorporated into the film; a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on the substrate, and a film disposed over the hemostatic material; or a hemostatic material sandwiched between two substrates.

An advantage of the present invention is that unlike other materials, such as, for example zeolites, the clay component produces no exothermic reaction with blood. Eliminating the generation of heat at a wound site is useful in minimizing discomfort and/or further injury to a patient and may be especially useful in the treatment of certain patients such as pediatric or geriatric patients or when the wound being treated is in a particularly sensitive or delicate area.

Another advantage is that the clay can be finely divided and deposited on a multitude of surfaces, thereby facilitating its use as a component in a variety of blood control devices. In particular, the clay can be used in particle form (e.g., retained in a mesh or in a film), or it can be used in powder form (e.g., deposited on a fibrous substrate to form a gauze or a sponge). In any embodiment, the efficacy of the clay in promoting hemostasis at a wound site is improved over similar agents that can be used only in one form (e.g., as particles of a particular size) to limit undesirable side effects such as excessive exothermic reactions.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the devices and agents of the present invention are easily applied to open wounds. Particularly when the hemostatic agent is retained in a mesh or similar device, or when it is incorporated into a woven structure to form a gauze, the device can be readily removed from a sterilized packaging and placed or held directly at the points from which blood emanates to cause clotting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a mesh structure of a blood clotting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the blood clotting device of FIG. 1 illustrating the retaining of clay particles in the mesh structure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blood clotting device that incorporates a clay material into a gauze.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blood clotting device that incorporates a clay material into a cloth.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bandage incorporating the clay particles in a mesh container for application to a bleeding wound.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein are hemostatic devices and hemostatic agents that are applicable to bleeding wounds to promote hemostasis. The hemostatic agents generally include clay materials or other silica-based materials that, when brought into contact with a bleeding wound, can minimize or stop blood flow by absorbing at least portions of the liquid phases of the blood, thereby facilitating clotting. The present invention is not limited to clay, however, as other materials such as bioactive glasses, biological hemostats, molecular sieve materials, diatomaceous earth, combinations of the foregoing, and the like are within the scope of the present invention and can be used in conjunction with the clay or separately as a hemostatic agent.

As used herein, the term “clay” refers to a crystalline form of hydrated aluminum silicate. The crystals of clay are irregularly shaped and insoluble in water. The combination of some types of clay with water may produce a mass having some degree of plasticity. Depending upon the type of clay, the combination thereof with water may produce a colloidal gel having thixotropic properties.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clay material is kaolin, which includes the mineral “kaolinite.” Although the term “kaolin” is used hereinafter to describe the present invention, it should be understood that kaolinite may also be used in conjunction with or in place of kaolin. The present invention is also not limited with regard to kaolin or kaolinite, however, as other materials are within the scope of the present invention. Such materials include, but are not limited to, attapulgite, bentonite, combinations of the foregoing, combinations of the foregoing with kaolin and/or diatomaceous earth, and the like.

As used herein, the term “kaolin” refers to a soft, earthy aluminosilicate clay (and, more specifically, to a dioctahedral phyllosilicate clay) having the chemical formula Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄. Kaolin is a naturally occurring layered silicate mineral having alternating tetrahedral sheets and octahedral sheets of alumina octahedra linked via the oxygen atoms of hydroxyl groups. Kaolin comprises about 50% alumina, about 50% silica, and trace impurities.

More preferably, the clay is Edgar's plastic kaolin (hereinafter “EPK”), which is a water-washed kaolin clay that is mined and processed in and near Edgar, Florida. Edgar's plastic kaolin has desirable plasticity characteristics, is castable, and when mixed with water produces a thixotropic slurry.

The kaolin material of the present invention may be mixed with or otherwise used in conjunction with other materials to provide additional clotting functions and/or improved efficacy. Such materials include, but are not limited to, magnesium sulfate, sodium metaphosphate, calcium chloride, dextrin, combinations of the foregoing materials, and hydrates of the foregoing materials.

Various materials may be mixed with, associated with, or incorporated into the kaolin to maintain an antiseptic environment at the wound site or to provide functions that are supplemental to the clotting functions of the clay. Exemplary materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutically-active compositions such as antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antihistamines (e.g., cimetidine, chloropheniramine maleate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and promethazine hydrochloride), compounds containing silver or copper ions, combinations of the foregoing, and the like. Other materials that can be incorporated to provide additional hemostatic functions include ascorbic acid, tranexamic acid, rutin, and thrombin. Botanical agents having desirable effects on the wound site may also be added.

For use in the present invention, the kaolin (or other clay material or diatomaceous earth) is preferably in particle form. As used herein, “particles” include beads, pellets, granules, rods, or any other surface morphology or combination of surface morphologies. Irrespective of the surface morphology, the particles are about 0.2 mm (millimeters) to about 10 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, and more preferably about 1 mm to about 2 mm in effective diameter.

The clay particles can be produced by any of several various methods. Such methods include mixing, extrusion, spheronizing, and the like. Equipment that can be utilized for the mixing, extruding, or spheronizing of the clay is available from Caleva Process Solutions Ltd. in Dorset, United Kingdom. Other methods include the use of a fluid bed or a pelletizing apparatus. Fluid beds for the production of clay particles are available from Glatt Air Technologies in Ramsey, N.J. Disk pelletizers for the production of clay particles are available from Feeco International, Inc., in Green Bay, Wis. Preferably, the clay is extruded through a suitable pelletizing device. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, as other devices and methods for producing particlized clay are within the scope of the present invention.

The EPK used in the present invention is particlized, dried, and fired to about 600 degrees C. In order to achieve a suitably homogenous mixture of the EPK to form the particles, a relatively high shear is applied to a mass of the EPK using a suitable mixing apparatus. Prior to shearing, the water content of the clay is measured and adjusted to be about 20% by weight to give a sufficiently workable mixture for extrusion and subsequent handling.

During the firing of the EPK to about 600 degrees C., the material is vitrified. Vitrification is effected via repeated melting and cooling cycles to allow the EPK (or other clay material) to be converted into a glassy substance. With increasing numbers of cycles, the crystalline structure is broken down to result in an amorphous composition. The amorphous nature of the EPK allows it to maintain its structural integrity when subsequently wetted. As a result, the EPK maintains its structural integrity when wetted during use, for example, when applied to blood. The present invention is not limited to the use of vitrified clays, however, as clay material that has not been vitrified is still within the scope of the present invention. In particular, unvitrified clay can still be applied to a bleeding wound to provide hemostasis.

It is believed that the cellular clotting mechanism of clay activates certain contact factors when applied to blood. More specifically, it is believed that kaolin (particularly EPK) initiates mechanisms by which water in blood is absorbed to facilitate clotting functions.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a hemostatic device into which the kaolin in particle form is incorporated is shown. The device is a permeable pouch that allows liquid to enter to contact the kaolin particles retained therein. Sealed packaging (not shown) provides a sterile environment for storing the hemostatic device until it can be used. The device, which is shown generally at 10 and is hereinafter referred to as “pouch 10,” comprises a screen or mesh 12 and the particlized kaolin 14 retained therein by the screen or mesh. The mesh 12 is closed on all sides and defines openings that are capable of retaining the particlized kaolin 14 therein while allowing liquid to flow through. As illustrated, the mesh 12 is shown as being flattened out, and, by way of example, only a few particles of particlized kaolin 14 are shown. The particlized kaolin 14 may be blended with particles of other types of clay, diatomaceous earth, and the like to form a homogenous mixture.

The mesh 12 is defined by interconnected strands, filaments, or strips of material. The strands, filaments, or strips can be interconnected in any one or a combination of manners including, but not limited to, being woven into a gauze, intertwined, integrally-formed, and the like. Preferably, the interconnection is such that the mesh can flex while substantially maintaining the dimensions of the openings defined thereby. The material from which the strands, filaments or strips are fabricated may be a polymer (e.g., nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or the like), metal, fiberglass, or an organic substance (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, or the like).

Referring now to FIG. 2, the openings defined by the mesh 12 are sized to retain the particlized kaolin 14 but permit the flow of blood therethrough. Because the mesh 12 may be pulled tight around the particlized kaolin 14, the particles may extend through the openings by a distance d. If the particles extend through the openings, they will directly contact tissue against which the pouch 10 is applied. Thus, blood emanating from the tissue immediately contacts the particlized kaolin 14, and the water phase thereof is wicked into the kaolin, thereby facilitating the clotting of the blood. However, it is not a requirement of the present invention that the particles protrude through the mesh.

To apply the pouch 10 to a bleeding wound, the pouch is removed from the packaging and placed on the bleeding wound. The particlized kaolin 14 in the mesh 12 contacts the tissue of the wound and/or the blood emanating from the wound, and at least a portion of the liquid phase of the blood is adsorbed by the clay material, thereby promoting clotting. The flexibility of the mesh 12 allows the mesh to conform to the shape of the bleeding wound and to retain that shape upon application.

Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a hemostatic device of the present invention is a kaolin gauze, which is shown generally at 20 and is hereinafter referred to as “gauze 20.” Kaolin is coated onto a gauze substrate using any suitable method to result in the gauze 20. One exemplary method of coating kaolin onto the gauze substrate is to immerse the substrate in a kaolin/water slurry. The kaolin material used for the slurry is preferably finely ground kaolin powder, although the present invention is not limited in this regard as kaolin particles, flakes, chips, beads, rods, granules, or the like may alternatively or additionally be used. The gauze substrate may be any suitable woven or non-woven fibrous material including, but not limited to, cotton, silk, wool, plastic, cellulose, rayon, polyester, combinations of the foregoing, and the like. The present invention is not limited to woven or non-woven fibrous materials as the gauze substrates, however, as felts and the like are also within the scope of the present invention.

The gauze 20 of the present invention is not limited to kaolin, however, as other clays such as attapulgite, bentonite, and combinations thereof may be used in place of or in addition to the kaolin. Furthermore, other silica-based materials such as bioactive glasses, diatomaceous earth, combinations of the foregoing, and the like may also be utilized in addition to or in place of any of the foregoing clay materials.

In any embodiment, once the kaolin is dried onto the gauze substrate to form the gauze 20, the gauze is sufficiently flexible to allow the gauze to be folded, rolled, or otherwise manipulated for packaging.

The flexibility of the substrate of the gauze 20 allows the gauze to form to a shape of the bleeding wound and to retain the shape of the bleeding wound upon application.

One manner of depositing the kaolin (or other clay) coating on the gauze substrate includes heating the kaolin/water slurry. Preferably, the slurry is heated to boiling because higher temperatures tend to facilitate the adhesion of the kaolin to the substrate. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, as the slurry may be heated to a lower temperature depending on the desired characteristics of the kaolin coating. Boiling the slurry also provides an effective form of agitation that uniformly disperses the kaolin in the liquid phase.

The substrate is then immersed in the boiling slurry for an amount of time sufficient to cause the kaolin to deposit onto the substrate. Given the rheology of wetted kaolin and the material from which the gauze or substrate is fabricated, the kaolin may adhere as a film directly to the surfaces of the substrate, or it may agglomerate in the interstices of the strands as well as along the strands themselves, thereby being trapped in the fiber matrix.

Another manner of depositing the kaolin coating on the substrate includes applying the kaolin in slurry form on one side of the gauze substrate using a spraying technique, a slot die technique, or a combination thereof. In using any technique, the amount of slurry applied to the gauze substrate is limited to avoid or at least minimize the saturation of the substrate. Preferably, a colloidal form of the kaolin (or other clay) is used to provide a stable suspension of the material with suitable viscosity for application using the slot die technique.

Once sprayed or applied using the slot die technique, the coated gauze substrate is then rolled or scraped to further embed the kaolin into the material of the substrate. The gauze substrate is then dried.

In some embodiments, the kaolin may be attached to the gauze substrate using a binder. In embodiments in which a binder is used, the material of the binder is biocompatible. Preferred binders include chitosan as well as polyvinyl alcohol, both of which have adhesive qualities, are compatible with biological tissue, and also exhibit hemostatic properties.

One exemplary method for the production of this device may comprise the steps of unwinding cotton gauze from a roll, immersing the gauze in a slurry of hemostatic material and water, applying pressure to the gauze by rolling the wet gauze under high pressure to incorporate the hemostatic material into the material of the gauze, drying the rolled, wet gauze, and removing dust from the gauze (e.g., via blasting with air knives or air nozzles, through the use of electrostatic energy, vacuuming, or brushing with direct contact brushes). Following the removal of dust from the gauze, the gauze back may be wound back onto a roll, or it may be cut into sheets for individual packaging.

One or more variables may be manipulated to optimize the amount and integrity of the kaolin retained on the gauze. These variables include, but are not limited to, slurry temperature, immersion time, the slurry agitation method, and the type of liquid (of the slurry). The elevation of the slurry temperature, as indicated above, aids in the retention of the kaolin on the gauze. The agitation may be effected by forcing air or other gas through nozzles, stirring, bubbling, boiling, or ultrasonic vibration.

The liquid used for the slurry may also be something other than water. For example, the liquid may be an aqueous ammonia solution. Aqueous ammonia has been found to induce swelling in certain fibrous materials, such as the materials typically utilized to fabricate gauze.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a hemostatic device of the present invention is a cloth having hemostatic properties, shown generally at 20, and which is hereinafter referred to as “cloth 30.” The cloth 30 is a fabric which may be defined by woven or unwoven strands or a felt or the like into which a biological hemostatic material is infused or impregnated. Hemostatic materials that may be infused or impregnated into the fabric of cloth 30 include, but are not limited to, clays (such as kaolin) in the form of particles 32, other slica-based material (such as diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, or the like), chitosan, combinations of the foregoing, and the like. In embodiments in which such materials are infused or impregnated into a cloth, the material is preferably incorporated into the cloth in a hydrated state and subsequently dried.

In either gauze or cloth embodiments, the gauze or cloth material may be cross-linked with a polysaccharide or similar material.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the present invention is a bandage, shown at 50, which comprises particlized kaolin 14 (or some other clay material or diatomaceous earth) retained in the mesh 12 and mounted to a flexible substrate 52 that can be applied to a wound (for example, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive to adhere the bandage 50 to the skin of a wearer). The mesh 12 is stitched, glued, or otherwise mounted to a substrate 52 to form the bandage 50.

The substrate 52 is a plastic or a cloth member that is conducive to being retained on the skin of an injured person or animal on or proximate a bleeding wound. An adhesive 54 is disposed on a surface of the substrate 52 that engages the skin of the injured person or animal. Particularly if the substrate 52 is a non-breathable plastic material, the substrate may include holes 56 to allow for the dissipation of moisture evaporating from the skin surface.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention is a sponge, shown at 60, which comprises a substrate 62, the particlized kaolin 14 (or some other clay material or diatomaceous earth) disposed on one face of the substrate 62, and a release agent 64 disposed on an opposing face of the substrate. The sponge 60 allows for sufficient contact of the particlized kaolin 14 with blood emanating from a wound and through the release agent 64 and the substrate 62 while minimizing the adhesion of the sponge to the wound tissue. The sponge 60 is also compatible with living tissue.

The substrate 62 is an absorbent gauze material that defines a matrix. The present invention is not so limited, however, as other materials such as rayon/polyester cellulose blends and the like are also within the scope of the present invention. Other materials from which the substrate 62 may be fabricated include woven fabric, non-woven fabric, paper (e.g., kraft paper and the like), and cellulose material (e.g., cotton in the forms of balls, swabs, and the like). Any material from which the substrate 62 may be fabricated may have an elastic quality. When elastic materials are used as the substrate 62, the sponge 60 becomes both a hemostatic device and a pressure bandage, particularly in embodiments in which a surface cohesive agent or mechanical fastener is added to secure the sponge in place over a wound.

The hemostatic agent used in the sponge 60 is not limited to particlized kaolin 14. Other materials such as attapulgite, bentonite, combinations of the foregoing, or a combination of the foregoing with kaolin may be used. The present invention is also not limited to clays, as other materials such as bioactive glass, biological hemostats, diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, the combinations thereof with clay are also within the scope of the present invention.

The particlized kaolin 14 may be bound to the substrate 62 via coulombic forces, by impregnating or otherwise incorporating the clay or other hemostatic material directly into the material of the substrate, by using a binder, by trapping the hemostatic material within the matrix, or the like.

When using a binder to bind the particlized kaolin 14 to the substrate 62, the binder material may provide additional functionality to the sponge 60. Materials from which the binder may be fabricated include, but are not limited to, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, gelatinized starches, polysaccharides, cellulose (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose), calcium alginate, and the like, as well as combinations of the foregoing.

In embodiments in which the particlized kaolin 14 is incorporated into the substrate 62 directly, the particlized kaolin may be added during the substrate fabrication. If the substrate is a non-woven gauze material containing rayon and polyester, then the particlized kaolin 14 may be incorporated into or onto the fibers of rayon and polyester. For example, the particlized kaolin 14 may be in powder form and applied to molten polyester, and polyester fibers may be drawn from the polyester/hemostatic material melt. If the substrate is a woven gauze (e.g., cotton), the kaolin 14 in powder form may be incorporated into the cotton threads during formation of the threads.

The release agent 64 is a material that is disposed on the wound-contacting side of the substrate 62 to facilitate the easy removal of the sponge 60 from the wound tissue after the formation of blood clots. The release agent 64 may be a continuous film, or it may be discontinuous on the surface of the substrate. One material that may be used as a release agent is polyvinyl alcohol, which is a biocompatible material that may be formed as a thin film and that does not significantly affect the absorbency and liquid permeability of the sponge 60. The release agent 64 may be applied directly to the wound-contacting surface of the substrate 62.

In the alternative, the release agent 64 may be applied to the non-wound contacting surface of the substrate 62 as a slurry of clay and release agent. In such an embodiment, the concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol is such that at least some of the alcohol seeps to the wound-contacting surface of the substrate 62, while the clay material remains on or near the non-wound contacting surface. In any embodiment, the polyvinyl alcohol serves not only as a release agent, but as an agent that suppresses the dust of the particlized kaolin 14.

Other materials that may be used as release agents that are within the scope of the present invention include, but are not limited to, silicone and gelatinized starches. As with polyvinyl alcohol, either may be applied in film form.

The sponge 60 may further include a component that imparts a radiopaque characteristic to the sponge. In such an embodiment, barium sulfate may be incorporated into a slurry that includes the particlized kaolin 14 and applied to the substrate 62.

The sponge 60 may further include water or alcohol, thereby allowing the sponge to be used as a wipe.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a sponge is shown generally at 160. The sponge 160 comprises a film 162 into which particlized kaolin 14 is dispersed. The physical integrity of the sponge 160 is maintained by the film 162. Preferably, the material from which the film 162 is fabricated is polyvinyl alcohol. In fabricating the sponge 160, the particlized kaolin 14 is dispersed into polyvinyl alcohol, which is then formed into a sheet. The sponge 160 is especially useful when incorporated into a bandage.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a sponge is shown generally at 260. The sponge 260 comprises a substrate 262, particlized kaolin 14 disposed on the substrate, and a film 266 disposed over the hemostatic material. The particlized kaolin 14 is unbound (without a binder) blood coagulating agent and is preferably disposed on the substrate 262 in strips to facilitate the folding of the sponge 260. The film 266 is polyvinyl alcohol or the like and is applied to both contain the particlized kaolin 14 and to minimize the generation of dust. Upon application to a bleeding wound, blood from the wound is wicked into the substrate 262 and contacts the particlized kaolin 14.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a sponge is shown generally at 360. The sponge 360 comprises particlized kaolin 14 sandwiched between two substrates 362. The substrates 362 can be bound together in any suitable manner such as heat sealing through areas selectively absent of particlized kaolin 14, using an adhesive or binder in select areas, applying a containment film of material (such as polyvinyl alcohol) over the entire sponge 360, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

The sponge 60 (as well as the sponges shown at 160, 260, and 360) may be. folded and used in various manners. The sponge 60 may be folded such that the surfaces on which the particlized kaolin 14 is disposed are on the inside surfaces of the folded sponge, so as to minimize problems of dusting and detachment of the hemostatic material from the substrate 62. The sponge 60 (and the sponges 160, 260, and 360) can also be folded into a pleated form or into a configuration to produce a number of distinct plies attached along the edges. By configuring the sponge 60 in such a manner, the compliancy and absorbency requirements of different applications can be addressed. The sponge 60 can also be cut or formed into elongated strips for wrapping over the wounds of an injured person or animal or for incorporation into cylinders or swabs. The sponge 60 can also be cut, ripped, ground, or otherwise formed into small pieces for applications such as stuffing into mesh containers.

EXAMPLE 1 The Effect of Slurry Temperature on the Ability of Cotton Gauze to Retain Kaolin Clay

Temperatures of kaolin/water slurries were varied to assess the ability of cotton gauze to retain kaolin clay. Slurries of water and EPK were prepared in which the kaolin was 40% of the total weight of the slurry. Three sponges were made (one from each piece of gauze) by immersing the cotton gauzes into the slurries of varying temperatures, rolling the wet sponges under pressure, and drying. The Table below indicates the parameters for each slurry and the results obtained.

Slurry Starting Gauze Temp. gauze weight (degrees Agitation weight after % kaolin Sample C.) method (grams) (grams) (wt. %) 1 22 Stir 1 3.139 5.59 44 minute 2 90 Stir 1 3.064 5.868 48 minute 3 100 Boil 1 3.085 6.481 52 minute

The gauze weight after is the weight of the gauze after rolling and drying. It was noted that the elevated slurry temperature increased the amount of retained kaolin. One theory for this is that the cotton fiber structure of the gauze is loosened and swollen by its immersion in the hot liquid.

EXAMPLE 2 Application of Dry Kaolin to Dry Cotton Gauze to Form Hemostatic Device

Dry kaolin was applied to a dry cotton gauze. The gauze was then rolled. The amount of kaolin retain on the gauze was visibly and significantly less than the amount of kaolin retained on the gauze of Sample 3 (Example 1). This sample, however, accelerated the clot time in sheep whole blood by 70% over the unaccelerated clot time of the blood.

Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A device for promoting the clotting of blood, comprising: a clay material in particle form; a receptacle for retaining said clay material therein, at least a portion of said receptacle being defined by a mesh having openings therein; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said device causes at least a portion of said clay material to come into contact with blood through said openings.
 2. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 1, wherein said clay material is kaolin.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said kaolin is Edgar's plastic kaolin.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said clay material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite, bentonite, kaolin, and combinations of the foregoing.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising diatomaceous earth, said diatomaceous earth being in particle form, commingled with said particles of said clay material, and retained in said receptacle.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a material selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, sodium metaphosphate, calcium chloride, dextrin, combinations of the foregoing materials, and hydrates of the foregoing materials mixed with said clay material.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pharmaceutically-active composition selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antihistamines, compounds containing silver ions, and combinations of the foregoing compositions mixed with said clay material.
 8. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 1, wherein said clay material comprises particles having diameters of about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm.
 9. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 1, wherein said clay material comprises particles having diameters of about 1 mm to about 7 mm.
 10. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 1, wherein said clay material comprises particles having diameters of about 2 mm to about 5 mm.
 11. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 1, wherein said mesh structure is flexible.
 12. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 11, wherein the flexibility of said mesh allows said mesh to form to a shape of said bleeding wound and to retain a shape of said bleeding wound.
 13. The device for promoting the clotting of blood of claim 1, wherein at least one particle of said clay material protrudes through one of said openings.
 14. A device capable of providing a hemostatic effect on a bleeding wound, said device comprising: a gauze substrate; and a clay material disposed on said gauze substrate; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said device causes at least a portion of said clay material to come into contact with blood.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said clay material is kaolin.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein said clay material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite, bentonite, kaolin, and combinations of the foregoing materials.
 17. The device of claim 14, further comprising diatomaceous earth disposed on said gauze substrate.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein said clay material further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, sodium metaphosphate, calcium chloride, dextrin, hydrates of the foregoing materials, and combinations of the foregoing materials.
 19. The device of claim 14, wherein said clay material further comprises a pharmaceutically-active composition selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antihistamines, compounds containing silver or copper ions, and combinations of the foregoing compositions.
 20. The device of claim 14, wherein said gauze substrate is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk, wool, plastic, cellulose, rayon, polyester, and combinations of the foregoing.
 21. The device of claim 14, wherein said gauze substrate is flexible to allow said gauze substrate to form to a shape of said bleeding wound and to retain a shape of said bleeding wound.
 22. The device of claim 14, further comprising a binder to adhere said clay material to said gauze substrate.
 23. The device of claim 22, wherein said binder is chitosan or polyvinyl alcohol.
 24. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound, said bandage comprising: a substrate; a mesh mounted on said substrate; and a clay material in particle form retained in said mesh; said mesh defined by a plurality of members arranged to define openings, said openings being dimensioned to accommodate the flow of blood therethrough.
 25. The bandage of claim 24, wherein said clay material is kaolin.
 26. The bandage of claim 24, wherein said clay material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite, bentonite, kaolin, and combinations of the foregoing materials.
 27. The bandage of claim 24, wherein said clay material further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, sodium metaphosphate, calcium chloride, dextrin, hydrates of the foregoing materials, and combinations of the foregoing materials.
 28. The bandage of claim 24, wherein said clay material further comprises a pharmaceutically-active composition selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antihistamines, compounds containing silver ions, and combinations of the foregoing compositions.
 29. The bandage of claim 24, further comprising an adhesive on said substrate, said adhesive being configured to facilitate the retaining of said bandage on the skin of a wearer.
 30. The bandage of claim 24, wherein said substrate includes holes.
 31. A hemostatic cloth, comprising: a fabric substrate; and a hemostatic material incorporated into said fabric substrate; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said hemostatic cloth causes at least a portion of said hemostatic material to come into contact with blood.
 32. The hemostatic cloth of claim 31, wherein said fabric substrate comprises at least one of woven strands and unwoven strands.
 33. The hemostatic cloth of claim 31, wherein said fabric substrate is a felt.
 34. The hemostatic cloth of claim 31, wherein said hemostatic material is selected from the group consisting of clays, silica-based material, diatomaceous earth, chitosan, and combinations of the foregoing.
 35. A method for producing a hemostatic gauze, said method comprising the steps of: unwinding cotton gauze from a first roll; and depositing a slurry of clay and water on said gauze.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein said step of depositing said slurry of clay and water on said gauze comprises immersing said gauze into said slurry.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein said step of depositing said slurry of clay and water on said gauze comprises utilizing a slot die technique.
 38. The method of claim 35, wherein said step of depositing said slurry of clay and water on said gauze comprises spraying said slurry onto said gauze.
 39. The method of claim 35, further comprising incorporating said clay into said gauze by applying pressure to said wet gauze.
 40. The method of claim 35, further comprising removing dust from said gauze.
 41. The method of claim 35, further comprising winding said gauze incorporating said clay into a second roll.
 42. The method of claim 35, further comprising cutting said gauze into sheets.
 43. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of removing dust from said gauze is selected from the group consisting of blasting said gauze with air, applying electrostatic energy to said gauze, vacuuming said gauze, and brushing said gauze.
 44. A hemostatic sponge, comprising: a substrate; a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of said substrate; and a release agent disposed on a second surface of said substrate; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of said hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through said release agent and said substrate.
 45. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, wherein said substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon/polyester cellulose blends, cellulose, paper, and combinations of the foregoing.
 46. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, wherein said hemostatic material is kaolin.
 47. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, wherein said hemostatic material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite clay, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, bioactive glass, biological hemostats, diatomaceous earth, and combinations of the foregoing.
 48. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, further comprising a binder to adhere said hemostatic material to said substrate.
 49. The hemostatic sponge of claim 48, wherein said binder is chitosan or polyvinyl alcohol.
 50. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, wherein said release agent is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, silicone, and gelatinized starch.
 51. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, further comprising at least one of water and alcohol.
 52. The hemostatic sponge of claim 44, further comprising a radioopaque agent.
 53. A hemostatic sponge, comprising: a film; and a hemostatic material incorporated into said film; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of said hemostatic material to come into contact with blood.
 54. The hemostatic sponge of claim 53, wherein said film is polyvinyl alcohol.
 55. The hemostatic sponge of claim 53, wherein said hemostatic material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite clay, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, bioactive glass, biological hemostats, diatomaceous earth, and combinations of the foregoing.
 56. A hemostatic sponge, comprising: a substrate; a hemostatic material disposed on said substrate; and a film disposed over said hemostatic material; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of said hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through said substrate.
 57. The hemostatic sponge of claim 56, wherein said hemostatic material is disposed on said substrate in strips to facilitate the subsequent heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing of said hemostatic sponge.
 58. The hemostatic sponge of claim 56, wherein said hemostatic material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite clay, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, bioactive glass, biological hemostats, diatomaceous earth, and combinations of the foregoing.
 59. A hemostatic sponge, comprising: a first substrate; a hemostatic material disposed on said first substrate; and a second substrate disposed on said hemostatic material; wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of said hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through at least one of said first substrate and said second substrate.
 60. The hemostatic sponge of claim 59, wherein said hemostatic material is selected from the group consisting of attapulgite clay, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, bioactive glass, biological hemostats, diatomaceous earth, and combinations of the foregoing. 